Chapter 9 - THE INVITATION
Celeste sent the invitation on thick ivory paper.
A charity benefit at the Castellane Foundation's downtown gallery. The event would celebrate a new rehabilitation center for children with spinal injuries.
Adrian read the invitation twice.
“Why would she organize this?”
Victor checked the event details.
“Her father's company is listed as the lead sponsor. The foundation's board approved the event before the clinic investigation became public.”
“Cancel it.”
“We can, but the contracts and donations are already in place. Several families are expecting the announcement.”
Adrian looked toward Elena's room.
“She isn't going.”
Maren, who had been helping Elena with a puzzle, turned.
“Why not?”
“Because Celeste will be there.”
“Then we make sure Elena is protected.”
Adrian shook his head.
“I won't put her in that room.”
Elena had heard them.
“I want to go.”
Adrian turned.
“Sweetheart—”
“I want to see the lights. And I want to wear my yellow dress.”
He crouched beside her.
“You don't have to see Celeste.”
“I know.”
Elena looked at Maren.
“Will you dance with me?”
Maren smiled.
“Always.”
Adrian studied his daughter's face.
Then he nodded.
“All right. But we leave whenever you want.”
The gallery was crowded when they arrived. Photographers stood near the entrance. A small orchestra played beside a display of children's artwork.
Elena wore her yellow dress, with her silver brace fitted under a soft cream skirt. Maren walked beside her wheelchair. Adrian stayed close.
For the first half hour, everything went smoothly.
Then Celeste appeared.
She wore a white gown and a smile that seemed designed for cameras.
“Adrian. You came.”
“We're here for the children.”
Celeste looked at Elena.
“Darling, you look beautiful.”
Elena's fingers tightened around Maren's hand.
Celeste crouched.
“Would you like to come with me? I have a surprise upstairs.”
“No.”
Celeste laughed lightly.
“Don't be rude.”
Maren stepped forward.
“She said no.”
Celeste straightened.
“I wasn't speaking to you.”
“Then you should listen to the person who answered.”
A few guests turned.
Celeste's smile sharpened.
“Adrian, this is becoming ridiculous. I am listed as Elena's future guardian in the foundation's event documents. I have every right to help her.”
Adrian's expression turned cold.
“You are not her guardian.”
Celeste reached into her purse and produced a folded paper.
“I have authorization.”
Victor took the document before Adrian could.
He examined the signature.
“This is not valid.”
Celeste's eyes flashed.
“Give that back.”
“Who signed it?” Adrian asked.
Celeste hesitated.
Then she looked toward the gallery entrance.
A man in a dark suit had just arrived.
Richard Laurent, her father.
Adrian recognized him immediately.
“Richard.”
The older man smiled.
“Adrian. Let's not make a scene.”
“You brought forged guardianship papers to an event attended by my daughter.”
Richard's smile disappeared.
“That's an accusation.”
“It's a document. We'll let the investigators examine it.”
Celeste moved closer to Elena.
“Sweetheart, come with me. Your father is upset.”
Elena pulled her wheelchair backward.
Maren placed herself between them.
“Do not touch her.”
For a moment, Celeste looked ready to strike.
Then she noticed the phones raised around the room.
She stepped back.
“You'll regret this,” she whispered.
Adrian looked at Victor.
“Escort them out. Preserve the document and every camera recording.”
As security moved in, Celeste leaned toward Maren.
“You think you saved her?”
Maren held her gaze.
“I know I listened to her.”
May you like
Celeste's expression turned murderous.
Then she was gone.
